Head of School Search for Watershed Friends School
Educators Collaborative is pleased to support Watershed Friends School (not a Quaker institution) in their search for a Head of School to begin July 1, 2026. This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned, innovative leader who is passionate about progressive education and ready to lead a new community in an exciting period of transition and growth.
Watershed School + Friends School = Watershed Friends School
Following a year of thoughtful discussion and deliberation, two preeminent progressive schools in Boulder—Watershed School (6-12) and Friends School (PS-8)—announced their decision this spring to unify into a single, PS-12 institution. Watershed Friends School will open as a combined school in the 2026-27 school year, and is seeking the right leader to guide this community as it brings together students, families, faculty, and staff who believe that at its core, education is about people. At Watershed Friends, learning isn’t limited to the classroom or to children—adventure, wonder, creativity, critical thinking, and compassion are developed everywhere and in everyone, students and teachers alike. WFS reimagines what a school can be, and is committed to being a force for the common good and engaging students in work that matters beyond the walls of the school
As a newly combined school, Watershed Friends will:
- Provide students with a cohesive experience, from preschool through high school, that strengthens academic culture and deepens learning. In this continuous educational journey, students can grow in a nurturing environment — with teachers who know them deeply and can support their evolving needs at every stage.
- Foster collaboration among teachers within a larger group of exceptional peers, sparking fresh ideas, a richer curriculum, and learning experiences that offer even greater community impact.
- Nurture a broader, more diverse community that offers a wider range of perspectives, friendships, and opportunities for connection. The school will continue to serve as an inspiring model of progressive learning, nationwide.
- Offer greater organizational strength and resilience through an expanded community and resources, ensuring the focus is where it should be – on teaching and learning.
About the Opportunity
The opportunity to build a preschool through 12th grade school in Boulder, in the hands of dedicated, talented educators, is a transformational endeavor. Watershed Friends School seeks a strategic, collaborative, and inspiring Head of School to lead the community as it begins its journey as a newly unified school. This unique opportunity will be a great match for an experienced, passionate leader with an entrepreneurial mindset, strong financial acumen, a deep understanding of progressive education, and the ability to manage change with care and compassion. Working with the Board of Trustees, the next Head of School will be present, approachable, and responsive as well as a being a ‘systems thinker’ who will be able to harness the energy evident throughout this remarkable school in order to continue the strong pedagogical foundation and visionary work crafted in both the Friends and Watershed schools
The full Information for Candidates, including a full list of qualifications and attributes desired, will be available in September.
Summary of the Search Process
Candidates interested in this opportunity are asked to submit the following materials in a single merged pdf file to Tracy Bennett or Chris Bright by October 17, 2025. Dossiers will be reviewed upon receipt.
- EC Summary Sheet (Contact consultant, Tracy or Chris, for this document)
- Letter of Interest addressed to the Search Committee
- Current resume
- Statement of Educational Leadership Philosophy
- A list of five or more professional references, with contact information (name, relationship to candidate, phone, and email)
- EC Disclosure Statement (Contact consultant, Tracy or Chris for this document)
If intersted, please contact Tracy Bennett, Partner, Educators Collaborative, LLC
More information can be found at https://TogetherInBoulder.org
